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Don't Trust Zillow: 3 Reasons Home Value Estimates are Wrong

Sara Mullis October 12, 2025

We’ve all done it—typed our address into Zillow or Realtor just to see what our home might be worth. It’s quick, fun, and kind of addictive. But here’s the problem: those “Zestimates” and automated home valuations are often way off the mark.

If you’re thinking about selling your house or just want a reliable number for your home’s value, here’s why those online home value calculators shouldn’t be your only source—and why a local real estate agent can give you the accuracy you actually need.

1. Online Home Value Tools Don’t See Your Upgrades

Have you remodeled your kitchen, finished the basement, or added a deck? Zillow doesn’t know. Automated home value websites pull from tax records and past sales, which don’t reflect updates or the true condition of your home.

A real estate agent can walk through your house, evaluate upgrades, and factor in details that actually affect how much buyers will pay.

2. They Miss the Local Market Nuances

Real estate values aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” A home across the street might sell for less just because it faces traffic, while yours is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac. Online estimates usually treat those homes as equal, when buyers see them very differently.

Agents understand neighborhood dynamics, school districts, and what makes your home more desirable compared to others nearby.

3. Automated Estimates Don’t Reflect Current Buyer Trends

Online calculators look backward at old data, not at what buyers want today. Right now, buyers are prioritizing home offices, outdoor spaces, and move-in-ready properties. A Zestimate can’t capture those trends, but an agent who’s working with buyers every day can.

Real Example: Even Zillow’s Founder Couldn’t Rely on Zestimate

One of the most famous examples comes from Zillow itself. When a Zillow founder listed his own Seattle home, the Zestimate valued it around $1.75 million. The property ended up selling for only about $1.05 million—a 40% difference. If the company’s own tool couldn’t price its founder’s home correctly, you can imagine how far off it can be for everyday sellers.

Why a Local Real Estate Agent Gives You a Better Home Valuation:

Zillow and Realtor are fine for curiosity, but when it comes to pricing your home, you need accuracy—not guesses. A professional agent combines market data, local expertise, and real-time buyer demand to give you a true assessment of your home’s value.

Bottom line: Online estimates are convenient, but only a local real estate expert can provide the accuracy and strategy you need when it really matters. Contact Four Corners today if you'd like to see the most accurate estimation of value for your property!